Center for Data Innovation Launches European Policy Program, Naming Paul MacDonnell its Head

BRUSSELS (November 17, 2015)—The Center for Data Innovation today announced that Paul MacDonnell will lead its newly launched research program in Brussels, serving as head of European policy. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Center is the leading global think tank studying the intersection of data, technology, and public policy. Based in Brussels, MacDonnell will lead the Center’s efforts to formulate and promote public policies in Europe that maximize the benefits of data-driven innovation in the public and private sectors.

“Policymakers are conducting an important dialogue about the role of data innovation in Europe’s economic growth and social well-being,” said MacDonnell. “I am very excited to join the Center in Brussels because it is uniquely well-positioned to contribute to this dialogue by providing policy analysis, innovative policy ideas, and practical guidance for policymakers.”

Daniel Castro, the Center’s director, said: “Countries that embrace data are poised to create more competitive industries, more efficient governments, and better tackle major societal challenges. Europe has been at the forefront of many important data initiatives, such as the open data movement and efforts to build smart cities, and we are thrilled to have Paul start sharing many of the lessons from Europe with the rest of the world and vice versa. Paul brings a tremendous wealth of expertise and creative thinking to many of the emerging policy issues confronting policymakers in Europe. He will help elevate the conversation about how data-driven innovation can unleash a new wave of economic growth and improve quality of life.”

MacDonnell joins the Center from Insurance Ireland, where he was the head of policy and EU affairs. Previously, he co-founded an economic policy think tank in Dublin.

Launched in 2013 as an affiliate of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the Center is dedicated to educating policymakers and the public about the opportunities and challenges associated with data, as well as technology trends such as predictive analytics, open data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things.